Subscription television system using land line



July 15, 1958 R. E. GoTTFn-:D ETAL SUBSCRIPTION TELEVISION SYSTEM lUSING LAND LINE l2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Dec. 1, 1951 INVENroRs.

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v SUBSCRIPTION TELEVISION` SYSTEM USING LAND LINE I Filed Deo. 1, 1951 12 sheetssheet 2 J4 Hoz o/Ms anca/r' /OBERT E Go rF/Eb JNVENroRs.

. Huf/v D. HOFFMANN Julyl- 15, 1958 l R. E'. Gon-FRIED ETAL A 2,843,654

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SUBSCRIPTION TELEVISION SYSTEM USING LAND LINE Filed Dec. 1. 1951 12` sheets-sheet e "zw a Arran/frs.

July, 15, 1958 R. E. GOTTFRIED E-r A1. 2,843,654

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July 15, 1958 R. E. GOTTFRIED ET AL 2,843,554

SUBSCRIPTION TELEVISION SYSTEM USING LAND LINE v Filed Dec. 1, 1951 l2 Sheets-Sheet 9 SOIH 2 BOIB -F Mamie 9G INVENToRS Arma/Eff soos .vars-- sues-Moes: semenavec seem/.s

July 15, 1958 R. E. GOTTFRIED ET AL 2,843,554

' SUBSCRIPTION TELEVISION SYSTEM USING LAND LINE j Filed Dec. 1, 1951 l 12 Sheets-Sheet 10 July 15, 1958 R. E. GoT'rFRn-:D ET AL 2,843,654

SUBSCRIPTION TELEVISION SYSTEM USING LAND LINE Filed Dec. 1, 1951 i' 12 Sheets-Sheet 11 Z5/@.53

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July 15, 1958 R. E. Go'TTFRIED III-Nl. l 2,8435654 SUBSCRIPTION TELEVISION sYsIEN usIN'G LAND LINE Filed Dec. l, 1951 12 Sheets-Sheet 12 WITH @ECT/F/E@ I lolzw JNVENTORS @055er E, GarrFe/Ep que# o. Hof/funn#- f ff/Jf Y for reaching fringe areas and areas United States Patent@ SUBSCRIPTION TELEVSION SYSTEM USING LAND LINE Robert E. Gottfried, West Los Angeles, and Allen D.

Hoffmann, Los Angeles, Calif., assignors to International Telemeter Corporation, Los Angeles, Calif., n corporation of Delaware Application December 1, 1951, Serial No. 259,436

19 Claims. (Cl. 178-5.1)

The present invention relates to improvements in subscription television and more particularly to a system of this character which is rendered operative upon the f user or subscriber at the receiving station depositing the required number of coins, or otherwise acknowledging a coin demand in accordance with information conveyed to the user whereupon: (1) The subscriber automatically has access to such information conveyed to him in secrecy and (2) A recording is also automatically made for obtaining information useful for accounting and other purposes. The present invention constitutes an improvement in the system described and claimed Vin the co-pending appli'- cation of Rebert E. Gottfried et al., Serial No. 225,651,

' led May 10, 1951, now Patent No. 2,769,026, issued October 30, 1956, and assigned to the same assignee.

In the system shown in the aforementioned application, the video signal in a television transmission is scrambled for purposes of secrecy and, an unscrambler is provided at a receiving station, such unscrambler being rendered effective upon the user or subscriberV meeting ork contemplates the use of a conductive link, such as a coaxial cable, for conveying certain portions of a television transmission to a user or subscriber, such link however being rendered fully effective for that purpose only after the user or subscriber has acknowledged a coin demand conveyed from the main station to the user or subscriber.

vBy using a conductive link, such as a coaxial cable, for maintaining secrecy, lthe program quality is enhanced'and 'the' equipment necessary for the intended purposes is 'simplified and rendered more trouble free. v Further, the present arrangement ,serves thepublic interest better in that it provides a simple arrangement tains and other obstructions.

Another object of the present' invention is togproceiving station and a plurality of dilierently 'located remote ice."

acknowledgement by the user or subscriber, apprises `such user both visually and orally as to the program being transmitted, i. e. the user is provided with a so-called marquee and is subjected to a barkei.. Y 1,

The term marquee as used herein is intended to o nnote information present in visual form for` apprising the user or subscriber as to the :program which he may see upon acknowledging a coin demand. By thus providing a marquee, conditions -akin to going to a motion -picture theatre are established, in that a theatre'goer, before payinghis money at the ticket counter, is subjected to the information appearing on the theatre marquee.V

The term barker as usedrherein,v has reference to Yaudible signals available to: the user or subscriber for apprising such user as to the program being transmitted.

YThe barker and marquee are Athusvintended to convey generally the same information but one lis accom- .plished orally andthe other visually respectively. 'Y Another object of the presentinvention is to provide an improvedsystem,compatible with Federal Communie.

vcations Commission regulations, for supplying not only the normal television program signals,'i. e. the'evideobandk matically madeat such receiving statioh,fidehtifying 'the day, hour, and the station from originates. f n

vAnother speciiicrobject of KVth'e; present invention is 'to which the transmission provide an improved television and transmission receiving Y system of the character in'which video is transmitt'edfover a ground link such as a coaxialcableand code fsignals are transmitted on the relatedsond vcarrierWave `fo`r ymaking s'uch video available to the-user' and 'for energizing ,recording apparatus at the receiving station wherebya Y recording may be made in accordance with such code signals identifying the dayghour and station from which the transmission originates.V l "1 v* i Another specific object of the present iinventiohis to provide an improved system of thischaracterin which j:

a barker and marquee signal is sent to a 'Subscriberstation, together with so-calledfree and paid programs with means Whereby'a subscriber or user, prior to acknowl v edging a coin demand, 'is subjected to' the marquee `nd vide an improved system wherein 4there 1s provided a ref television transmitting stations Vfrom which certainV infor-V mation is conveyedfor apprising the user of theV receiving set of the amount required to obtain the information being conveyed over a ground link such as a coaxial line.

barker; and,` after thesubsc'riber or user acknowledges Va coin 'demand for viewing a paid Y.progr-am, vrheV mai/tune his set to a free program, if desired, to' receive"a'flreepro gramV and the paid program is thereafter available teh-iin should' he tune backffroml the free"pro'g'ramf'lto tliepaid program; This result may be;achieved,`either ing-a closedY wire system as illustratedin v1-"ig'urel'33 herein, orpin a system using a wireless ylinkasillustrated in-`Figr`es 36 and37.- A Y |lhe features ofthe present inventionwhich arebelie'ved to be' Vnoval are set forth with particularityinltlieappended claims. This invention itself, both as to its organization and manner of operation,A together withfurtherfobiects and advantages thereof, may behest understood'by reifer-f ence to the following'description'"takenjiuLconnection with ythe' accompanyingu drawings inwhirclu i Figure l is aschematic diagramofeapparatiis at? ne'if.4

the plurality of transmitting stations-arranged for use l in the systemfshown infFigure 3,5, the apparatusibeing Y.

Yapart of the frequency modulation system formodulati-ng g the 4sound carrier both with the barkersound and Vthree tone signals. i

` Figure 2 is a schematic representationof, Y e of the;ik apparatus at .the receiving station which is sensitive `to the j L;

3` frequency modulation components on the sound carrier transmitted by the apparatus shown in Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a view in side elevation of a portion of the photoelectrically operated apparatus shown schematically in Figure 1, used for purposes of effecting tone modulation in accordance with perforations inan endless tape.

Figure 4 is a sectional view taken generally on the line 4-4 in Figure 3.

Figure 5 is a View taken as indicated by the line 5-5 in Figure 3 and serves to show three perforated apertures used in developing three corresponding tone signals.

Figure 6 is a plan view of a portion of the endless tape shown in Figure 3, and the section of the tape illustrated includes all perforations for producing one cycle of operation.

Figure 7 is a front elevational View of a coin integrator and comparator used at the receiving station in cooperation with the coin sorter and coin counter;

Figure 8 is a sectional view taken substantially along the line 8 8 of Figure 7;

Figure 9 is a vertical sectional view taken substantially along the line 9-9 of Figure 7;

Figure 10 is a fragmentary elevational View taken as indicated at 10-10 in Figure 9;

Figure 11 is a fragmentary rear elevational view of the apparatus shown in Figure 7, Figure l1 being taken in the direction indicated by the line 11-11 in Figure 9;

Figures 12-16, both inclusive, serve to illustrate certain .amplitude changes which the detected sound signals undergo in relationship to their frequencies at the points A, B, C, D and E, respectively, in Figure 2;

Figure 17 shows in more simplified form the relay switching arrangement shown in Figure 2;

Figures 18 and 19, respectively, show in enlarged form the manner in which the coin demand arm and the coin actuated arm shown lin Figures 2 and 17 coact with common stationary contacts for' achieving a coincident condition;

Figure 20 is aside view of a coin collecting, sorting and counting mechanism for operating the coin pay Vswitches in Figures 2 and 17;

Figure 21 is a rear elevational view of the coin sorting mechanism taken as indicated by the line 21-21 in Figure 20;

Figure 22 isa fragmentary sectional view taken substantially along the line 22-22 of Figure 21;

Figure 23 is a fragmentary sectional View taken substantially along the line 23-23 of Figure 21;

Figure 24 is a cross sectional view taken substantially along the line 24-24 of Figure 9,

Figure 25 is a schematic representation of other pulse distribution apparatus in a modified system wherein the operator is not provided with'a visual indication of the coinage demanded, but yet may cause reception of program video by operating a normally open switch 506 shown therein; A

Figure 26 is a schematic representation of a second modification of the pulse distributing apparatus, and although the apparatus incorporatesV the structure shown in Figures 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11 as modified in subsequent gures for producing a visual indication of the coin de-` mand,'such coin demand may be acknowledged to produce reception of program Video by the user operating a switch;

Figures 27 and 28 show a modified stepping mechanism embodying generally the lfunctional featuresv of the prototype apparatus shown in Figures 7,-ll, inclusive, but includes means whereby the user may obtain a visual indication of the coinage demanded; Y

Figure 29 shows a recordingY tape with certain information recorded thereon in accordance with fil pulses caused by the so-called f1 apertures in Figure 6;

Figures 30 is a schematic representation of the record. ing mechanism including the recording tape, recording head and tape driving motor, all, of which are Controlled by the arrangementsshown in therprevious figures.

Figure 3l is a view in elevationof the coin demand stepping mechanism as viewed generally in the direction indicated by the lines 31-31 in Figure 27.

Figure 32 shows in schematic form -a system embodying the present invention using coaxial cable for purposes of preserving secrecy in transmission.

Figure 33 shows another system embodying features in the present invention.

Figures 34 and 35 show two additional systems embodying features of the present invention.

Figures 36 and 37 show other systems embodying features of the present invention.

In the system shown in Figure 35, the program sound and the program video is applied to the internal conductor of the coaxial cable 722, which extends from the studio 720 to the subscriber stations 710. Such program sound and video is normally denied since the relay switch is in its open position. However the subscribers set in such normal position of switch 55 is effective to reproduce the marquee video being transmitted over link 723 from the studio 720 to the transmitting station 724 and from the transmitting station 724 over link 725 to the subscriber station 710. Also, the subscriber hears what is termed the barker sound being transmitted over link 727 which extends from the studio 72! to the transmitter 724 and also over the link "728 which extends from the transmitter 724 to the subscriber station 71.0. Thus, normally, the subscriber or user hears the barker sound and sees the marquee on his cathode ray tube. Also, a coin demand is set up at each subscriber station, in accordance with the coin demand information being transmitted over the link 727, 728. Upon acknowledgment of the coin demand, the relay winding or solenoid 5S is energized to connect the internal conductor of the coaxial cable 722 to the input terminals of the subscribers receiver, to thereby render available the program sound and program video on the internal conductor of the coaxial cable.

With reference to Figures l and 35, the freqency modulated transmitter 10 serves to radiate into space, by means of antenna 11, frequency modulated signals, the components of which comprise the audio signals of the barker which are used to apprize a user or subscriber of the program which is available to him upon making a coin acknowledgment. Such audio signals are developed, for example, in microphone, or, for example, phonograph pickup 12. The series of tone frequencies f1, f2 and f3 are developed respectively by the tone modulators 13, 14 and 15. The frequency of the tones f1, f2 and f3 are shown herein respectively as being 17.9 kilocycles, 20 kilocycles and 22 kilocycles, which are frequencies well above the frequencies in the audible range developed in the sound modulator stage 16, which includes the microphone or pickup 12. Although we prefer that these three tone frequencies lie above the audible band for practical reasons, concepts of the present invention may be practiced when such frequenciesfl, f2, f3, or any one of them is a sub-audible frequency.

The modulator stages 13, 14 and 15 each include continuously oscillating networks which include respectively pairs of tubes 13A, 13B, 14A, 14B, 15A, 15B, the frequency of oscillation in each of such networks 13, 14, 15 being determined by thefrequency of the associated crystal 13C, 14C, 15C. While one specific type of supersonic oscillation network is shown in Figure l, the present invention is not critical in that regard, for it is wel! understood that other types than the one shown may be used for these purposes. oscillations developed in networks 13, 14 and 15 are transferred respectively through condensers 13D, 14D and 15D to the control grids of tubes 13E, 14E and 15E, respectively. The cathodes of these tubes 13E, 14E, 15E are returned to ground through parallel connected resistances 18 and `19 as well as by series circuit which includes the serially connected resistances 20 and 21. l

While the oscillation networks 13, 14 and 15 continuously oscillate, their voltage output is not normally transferred to the cathode load resistancesfl, 19, since in such normal condition the control grids of tubes 13E, 14E and 15E are biased by means described presently to cut oif the flow of space current through such tubes.

Such biasing means includes corresponding normally heavy conducting tubes 13T, 14T and 15T which'have their anodes, normally at a relatively low potential connected to the control grid of tubes 13E, 14E, and 15E, respectively, through series circuits comprising, respectively: resistances '13S and 13G; resistances 14S and MG; and resistances S and 15G. The anodes o-f tubes 13T,

14T and 15T are connected to a positive terminal of corresponding anode voltage sources 13M, 14M and 15M through corresponding voltage dropping resistances 13R, 14R and 15K. The cathodes of tubes 13T, 14T and 15T are connected to the ungrounded negative terminal The tubes 13T, 14T and 15T are coupled to phototubes 13], 14] and 15J, respectively. All the'se photocells are connected in yidentical manner, and a detailed description of the connection of phototube 13] suffices to describe the other connections. The phototube 131 is connected in a series circuit with resistance 13X and voltage sources 1 3Y and 13Z. The anode of the phototube 13] is connected to the control grid of tube 13T, and the junction point of sources 13Y and 13Z is connected to the cathode of tube 13T, so that'` upon illumination of the tube 13] .the control grid of tube 13T is driven negatively with respect to its cathode, to thereby cut off or appreciably reduce' the flow of current through tube 13T, with the result that the potential at the anode of tube 13T increases to such an extent that the connected control grid of tube 13E rises sufliciently to become conductive and to there- Y by allow oscillations developed at the oscillator stage 13 to appear across the cathode output resistance 18. These tubes 13E, 14E, 15E are rendered conducting Veither when the associated phototubes 13], 14], 15J are energized b-y the corresponding lightV sources 13K, 14K

and 15K,or, in the alternative, when either one of the corresponding'normally open test switches 13H, 14H or 15H isclosed. Normally, these phototubes 13], 141,151'

. are not illuminated because of theopaque endless tape 23 which, however, is suitably apertured as indicated inl Figure 3 to ,allow alternate illumination of such phototubes. It is noted that only one of the phototubes 13], 14], 15J is thus illuminated at any one particular time.

v Effectively, the normally non-conducting tubes 13E, 14E,v y15E are gated on in timed sequence with movement of thevtape 23, to thereby allow super-audible signals of frequencies f1, fz'and f3 to alternatelyappear on the output lead 24.

It is observed that the adjustable resistances 13P, 141 and 15P in correspondingmodulator stages 13, V14 and 15 are vused to adjust the level ofthe corresponding signals f1, f2 vand f3 appearing on the lead 24. These signals appearing on lead 24 are transferred y through the transient.

suppressing `Vnetwork 25 which includes the series condenser 26 and shunt connected' resistance 27. f The lead '70,

24 is thus connected through serially connected resistance 2i) and condenser 26, andthrough the'fadjustableltap on the potentiometer resistance 28 Vto the control grid of the cathode followert-ube 29, on the gridof which is Y. also applied the audio signals developedby the microV phone or pickup 12v. The current or voltage variations developed by su'ch transducer 12 are applied to the control grid of the amplifying stage 30. The amplified outopposite outside terminals of potentiometer resistance 28,

so that the moveable tap on the resistance 28 may be adjusted to correspondingly adjust the output-level of audio signal applied to the control grid of tube 29. The resulting mixed audio and tone signals appearing on the cathode of tube 29 are applied to the frequency-modulation transmitter 10 and appear as frequency modulated components on the wave transmitted from antenna 11..

The particular mechanical tape driving meansand associated lamp housing useful in generating the aforementioned tone signals f1, f2 and f3 are now described in relationship to Figures 3, 4, 5 and 6, although it will be appreciated thatvthe present invention is not criticalV Vas to the specific type of apparatus shown in'such figures for accomplishing the aforementioned purposes, although the particular means described in these figures is the one preferred. Y Y

The endless perforated tape 23 in Figure 3 passes o ver idler wheels 38, 39, 40 and 41 and over the driving sprocket 42, so that the tape travels in the direction in-V dicated by the arrow .44 in the space adjacent lampV housings 45, 46 and 47, which contain respectively the lamps 13K, 14K and 15K (Figure 1).V Corresponding phototubes 13], 14] and 15J are disposed below the endless tape in alignment with apertures 13W, 14W and 15W in the stationary `plate 48. Thus the aperturer 13W is used in producing frequency f2, thev .aperture414W is used in producing the frequency f1, and the aperture 15W is used in producing the frequency f3, such vfrequencies being obtained when a corresponding perforation 13V,

14V or 15V, respectively, is in Valignment with suchV apertures. Mechanically, the tape 23 and apertured plate' Thus` it is evident from the above description that the v transmitter shown in Figure 1 serves to radiate into-space a frequency modulated wave, the modulation components of which include a sound developedl by transducer 12 and the tone signals of frequencies f1, fzzand f3, whichY tone Vfrequencies alternately appear as 'components in the radiated` wave. The receiver shown in Figure 2 serves to demodulate the modulation components ofthe aforementionedfrequency rnodulatedtwavev to `reproduce the 1 Y sound components as well aspto perform certain control operations in accordance withthefsignals of frequencies fi f2 and fs n 1 l v Besides transmitting the aforementioned frequency modulated wave, the station 'also sends out avideo v marquee signal by means of the video antenna 50. n

The receiver shown in Figure Zincludes the'conven-` tional antenna 51 coupled to the conventionlalf channelV tuner 52 through the single pole double throw relay. switch 55. The receiver shown is of the so-called dual-I. F.

type using the superheterodyne principle, and thelsound` frequencies of intermediate frequencies areimpr'essed; on

-the S'ouind I. F. And Discriminator st-ager53; iwhile the signals of video appearingat agdifre-rent intermediate fr"el f quency are applied to the Video I. F.1Arnpliier 54,

The output of the detector stage 56 is applied to the video amplifier 59. As mentioned previously, the program video and program sound is transferred over the coaxial cable 722 having its inner conduct-or connected to a stationary contact of relay switch 55, which has its moveable contact connected to the input terminal of the tuner 52. The switch 55 is lactuated to transfer such program sou-nd and program video upon energization of winding 58. The means whereby the winding 58 may be energized is now described in detail.

The aforementioned frequency modulated wave, after being detected in the stage S3, is applied to the control grid of tube 61 through the isolating resistance 62 and 'bandpass filter 63 and resistance 64, for purposes of separating the tone signals of `frequencies f1, f2 and f3. Also, for purposes of reproducing the sound components developed `by the `transducer 12 (Figure 1), the output of the stage 53 is applied to the speaker 66 after passing through the low pass filter and audio amplier stage 67.

It is noted that the three tone signals have frequencies which lie relatively close `to each other, nam-ely, 17.9, and 22 kilocycles, respectively. The means described presently for separating these tone signals at the receiver from each other, and from the sound, incorporates important features of the present invention, and briefly comprises the high bandpass filter 63, a so-called jaguartoothed amplifier, including tube 61 and serially connected high Q (quality factor) tuned circuits `68, 69 and 70, as well as the pick-oli.= stage 71 and the tuned circuits 72, 73.

The 'bandpass filter 63 includes the series condenser 63A and shunt connected condenser l63B and resistance 63C, and while other high bandpass circuits may be provided for this general purpose -of decreasing the amplitude of the sound audio appearing on the control grid of tube 61, the simple one shown herein is preferred vfor this purpose. As a result of this circuit 63, the frequency characteristics of the Waves appearing on the grid of tube 61 have the general appearance shown `in Figure 12. Following the signal through, the ytuned circuits 68, 69, 7i) cause the signal appearing at the anode of tube 61 to have the frequency characteristic shown in Figure 13. The tube 71 is sensitive to the peaks of the volt-age appearing on the anode of tube 61, and hence the signal appearing at the grid of tube 71 yis modied as indicated in Figure 14. AIt is observed that the tuned circuits 72, 73 are coupled to the anode of tube 71 an-d thus have a selective effect on the signals in the manner shown in Figures 15 and 16, where the frequency characteristic of the signal in Figures 15 and 16 represent the condition at points D and E.

For accomplishing the results indicated generally in Figures 12-16, the tubes 61 and `71 are coupled and energized as described :in detail presently.

The `tube 61 is preferably a triode, and for purposes of increasing the effective plate resistance of the same its cath-ode is returned to ground through the resistance 80, and its anode is connected tothe positive terminal of voltage source 81 through the serially connected tuned circuits l68, 69, 70 and decoupling resistance 82, the circuits 68, l69 and 70 being parallel tuned, respectively, to frequencies f1, f3 and f3. The anode of tube 61 is coupled through condenser 84 to the control grid of tube 71, such control grid being remrned to the negative ungrounded -terminal of voltage source 86 through resist-ance 85. The cathode of tube 71 'is grounded, and the voltage of source 86 is relatively smal-l, in the `or-der of 31/2 volts, for purposes `of maintaining tube 71 normally, in its quiescent state, non-conducting and of yobtaining grid limiting of the incoming signal. The anode of `tube 71 is connected to the positive terminal of source 81 through the coupling resistance 88. The signal developed on the anode of tube 71 is coupled, by means of condenser S9, to three separate circuits, namely, the tuned circuit 72, the tuned circuit 73, and the volt-age dividing circuit `90. These circuits 72, 73 and 90 lare connected in shunt with each other and have one of their terminals connected to the ungrounded negative terminal of voltage source 92, which serves as a 'bias voltage for the control grids of -tubes 95 Iand 96, which are coupled respectively to lthe tuned circuits 72 and 73. Resistance 97 is serially connected to the tuned circuit 73, and likewise resistance 98 is serially connected with the tuned circuit 72. The voltage dividing circuit 90 comprises serially connected resistances 90A and 90B, the junction point of which is -connected `to the control grid of the monitoring tube 100.

This circuitry thus far described, including lter 63, tubes 61, 71 and tuned circuits `72, 73, causes a 'transformation of `the character lshown in Figures 12, 13, 14 and 15. While the filter circuit 63 serves :as a pre-filter, a greater portion of the frequency selectivity is obtained using the vso-ca'lled jaguar-tooth type of amplifier which includes the serially connected circuits 68, 69, 70, and also by the use of tuned circuits 72, 73. While the amplifier tube 61 serves to impart a frequency characteristic of the type shown in Figure 13,Ji. e., produces a discrimination as to frequency, the following stage 71 introduces discrimination as to amplitude by selecting or picking off the upper portions of the voltage waves at the anode ot' tube 61.

Another feature of the tube 71 is that it serves essentially as an amplitude limiter because of limiting action of its control grid, i. e., grid-cathode conduction occurs after the signals appearing on the anode of tube 61 reach a predetermined threshold value, and it is this threshold value which is maintained substantially constant by limiting on the control grid of tube 71. The signals appearing on the anode of tube 71 are further filtered, using the tuned circuits 72, 73, which are tuned respectively to frequencies f2 and f1. Thus, tone signals of frequency f1 are applied to the control grid of record tube 96; tone signals of frequency f2 are applied to the control grid of coin demand tube and tone signals of frequencies f1, f2 and f3 are applied to the control grid of so-called monitoring tube 100.

It is by the use of the tone signals of frequencies f1, f2 and f3, which are applied alternately and in sequence, that the control apparatus shown to the right in Figure 2 is actuated in the following described manner, to cause energization of the Video solenoid 58, to cause unscrambling of the video and energization of the recording head 57A, to cause recording, in coded form, of the day, hour and station.

Pulse distribution unit actuated by tone signals f1, f2 and f3 In general, the purpose of the pulse distribution system shown in Figure 2 is to utilize the signals of frequencies of f1, f2 and f3 so that the following functions are performed: (l) Stepping the coin demand solenoid actuated mechanism to a position dictated by the price of a partcular program, whereby the user may pay or acknowledge the demanded price and thus cause the production of the television program; (2) recording the program after coincidence has occurred, i. e., after the user has paid or acknowledged the demanded price.

Briefly, the tone signals of frequency f2 cause operation of a stepping mechanism a number of times in accordance with the number of openings 13V in the tape 23 at the transmitter. Each one of the openings 13V represents live cents, so that the series of nine openings represents a program having a value of forty-live cents. In other words, the coin demand solenoid is actuated nine times in response to the nine apertures 13V in the tape 23, to cause the switch arm 110A to be moved over a corresponding number of stationary contacts having numerals 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, S, 9, 1t) and 11 in Figure 18. By this expedient, a visual representation may be made of the amount required in order to produce the program. In such case, the visual indication would be forty-live cents, and upon inserting the required coins in the coin operated incoming information.

fof course, happens very mechanism of the character shown herein in ,Figures t V2V`0-24andin the copending application of Lorenzo Del Riccio, Serial No. 189,262, tiled October 9,1950, now Patent No. 2,769,024, issued October 30, 1956, and assigned tothe same-assignee as the present invention, the coin pay solenoids 11111v2ar'e actuated to step the switch arm `113 to a position whereit corresponds with the position of the switch arm 110A, and in such case there ris what is termed herein asa coincident condition.

In order to allow a person to operate the apparatus not vhaving the required change,- i. e., in this instance fortyve cents, but a fifty-centpiece, an arcuate contact arm 110B is mounted on the end of arm 110A to allow the coincident condition to be realized even though the arms 110A, 113 themselves aretnot rotated the same angular distance by their' respective stepping mechanisms. When this coincident condition is achieved, the video solenoid 58 is automatically energized and the recording head 57A is likewise energized andfa recording is automatically made.

y The manner in which these aforementioned yresults are obtained is'now described in relationship to the specific y apparatus for accomplishing the same. The signals of fre:

quences f1, f2 and f3, in the form of coded pulses, are available continuously Vthroughout any one program. They occur alternately, that is,`no ftwo ever are present simultaneously. It is noted that the signal of frequency f1 contains the record information, and that the signal of frequency f2 contains the coin demand informatiomwhile the tone signal f3 is for monitoring purposes, i. e., for 'filling' inY purposes, so that the apparatus receives signals Y evenv though there is noV f1 or f2 signal present.

A feature of the system is that itis able to operate correctlyA even though the user tunes in his receiver at any time duringV motion of the endless tape 23 at the transmitting station. Y

Y Anotherl subsidiary feature is that after a complete cycle, that is, after the recording has taken place, the systern locks itself out so that it does not respond to further y Initially, when the' system is turned on or the particular 'stationis tuned in, thyratron tube 100 is red since tone signals of 'frequencies f1, f2 and f3 are applied to such tube, and itwill remain fired as long as the receiver is tuned to a paid program. v

Initially, the system is as'shown in its deenergized conf dition. For matter of convenience,V the windings of the l relays Vhave certain reference letters, while the switches ywhich are actuated when the 'correspondingrelay Winding is energized havevthe same reference letter but with a different number appended thereto. When turued on to a paidprogram, relay M is energized and thus makes directV current voltage available through its switch M1 to other parts of thesys'tern. The' plate load relay `W of tube 96 is then supplied with direct current voltage through switch X7 and'V switch Z5. Under this lcondition there is no voltage applied to either ofthe plate loads connected to tube95."

Thus, the system sees nothing until the rst f1 pulse Y tires the thyratron tube 96. YWhen this occurs vrelayW iS'energized and a D.C. voltage'is applied through switch W4 to relay Z. Relay Z remains energized through its switch Z4, which is normally open and cooperates with switchZS in such a manner that the switch Z4 is closed before switch Z5 is opened. ,Thus, when relay Z is nergized switch Z5' interruptsl the current to relay W. This, rapidly and relay VW is energized just momentarily. A

vWith relay Z thus energized there/is now available Pulses of frequency Vfzare nowfreceived andY re tube V95, which in turn causes one of the grounds on the holdcoil Z. The hold coil Z still remains energized, however, through aground connection provided by switch W6. The switchnDri's likewise under this condition actuated` so as to apply a D.C. voltage to the relay W through switch X7. i Thus, once again tube'96 is in a tirable condition. After the f2 cycle, the rst f1 pulse to arrive tires tube 96, thereby energizing relay W, which in turn removes theV only other ground providedV for relay Z, so that now the relay Z becomes deenergized. The system at this stage is in a dormant condition and remains so until the condition of coincidence is met, i. e., until the coin pay solenoid is energized by the user inserting the required coins in the apparatus. 'Y

After the coin demand has been acknowledged by in serting the proper coinage or, as shown in succeedingV figures, by operating a certain control, the next Vsucceedt. 'Y

ing f1 pulse causes lrelay W to be energized, and in such case` the coin pay solenoids have complete circuits through the switch W5. When the "coin pay arm 113 has been ratcheted up to a coincidence point, a D.C. voltage is applied to relayV X, causing this relay to be energized.

When relay X is energized several new conditions are achieved. First, the video solenoid 58is energized so that the program is now available for the viewer. Second, there is introduced into the anode circuit -of tubel 96- through switch X5 ashunt plate load which comprises tthe recording head 57A. There is, however, lno, voltage applied to these loads so tube 96 is not in condition for firing; but there is a D.C. voltage applied'to relayY which is the plate load of tube 95.v Thisvoltage is applied through switches X1 and Z1. l

- Thus, the iirst f2 pulse Vafter coincidence restube 95. This in turn causes energzation of relay Y and causes a D.C. voltage to be applied through switch Y1 to relay Z. Y

As stated before, relayrZ acts as a holdcoil through its own (make-before-break) switchk Z4. Thus relay Y Z becomes energized and then opens switch'Zl, so that the D.C. voltage theretofore applied to relay Y is removed. This happens very rapidly yand relayY is energized just momentarily.

The relay Z is energized causing an A.C. voltage to be applied to the plate loads, i. e., relay W and record`Y ing head 57A,through switches` X2 and Z2.of relay Z,v

so that tube 96 is in condition for tiring. Also atthis point tape drive-.motor 117 becomes energized .throughV contacts Z2 and X2. Y n

Then the next f1 pulsefxres tube `96 to 'cause Vthe particular information, incoded form, to be recorded on tape driven by motor 117.`` VThe rst f pulse which res tube 96 also causes energization of relay `W. At this stage the hold=coil of relay W is. energized, since there is a'D.-C. voltage on the movable contact of switch W2.

LAt this stage all the contacts of relay W are maintained at' a hold condition.

thus becomesfdeenergized. I I n A Thus at this time there ispo voltage on thefanodes of through switeh Y2 lof relay Z, is` removed and relay Z1 tubes k96 and 95, sov thatthe system is locked out, i. e.,

it 'will not respond to'further incomngfpulses, butV ofv Thus a D.C.. voltage is once more applied to relay Y through contacts W1, so

that the relay VZ is grounded onlythrongh switch Y2. Y Therefore`,`with the tube ina`V firable condition,

11 course the tube 100 remains continuouslyV conducting because of the pulses f1, f2 and f3.

At the end of the program at the transmitter, the coded pulses are no longer transmitted, and when this happens tube 100 becomes deionized and relay M becomes deenergized. p

With relay M deenergized, the release solenoid 118 is energized through switches M2 and A, so that all mechanical components associated with the coin demand and coin pay solenoids return to initial conditions. Also, the D.C. voltage is then removed from the system since switch M1 is now open.

It is evident that the above result, i. e., returning of the apparatus to normal condition, may be produced merely by tuning the receiver to a different channel. Thus, with the system cleared, it is ready to repeat the cycle whenever again tuned to a paid program.

Coin collecting mechanism shown in Figures 20-24 Figures 2O through 24 illustrate the details of construction of one form of coin collection mechanism which may be used with the system of this invention. The coin collection mechanism shown in these figures constitutes a coin receiver and comprises a coin sorting means for sorting coins according to denomination and conveying those coins from the coin receiving slot to a coin box where they are stored until collected by an authorized agent of the operators of the system. In passing from the coin slot to the coin receiver, the segregated coins cause electrical signals to be produced, which signals are representative of the denominations of the coins and are used to energize the coincidence switch 113 mentioned in connection with Figure 2 and in Figure 17.

The coin sorting mechanism which is indicated generally by the reference character 250 in Figure 20 is secured within a suitable housing 251 in a position to communicate with a coin box 252 mounted in the lower part of the housing 251 in such away as to be readily removable thereform. The coin sorter 250 denes at its upper end a coin receiving aperture 253 or coin slot which communicates with a similarly shaped opening 254 formed in the upper surface of the housing 251. The coin slot 253 is demensioned to freely receive all coins up to and including fty cent coins and communicates with a series of coin channels which pass downwardly through the mechanism and into the coin box 252. The coin sorter 250 comprises two sets of coin channels, the uppermost set being defined by upper and lower cover plates 255 and 256 held in parallel spaced relation to each other by three f triangular spacer plates 257, 258 and 259 disposed between the plates 255 and 256. The plates 257-259 have a thickness slightly exceeding the thickness of a lifty cent coin and are disposed in mutually spaced relation to define a coin channel leading from the coin slot 253 to a discharge opening 260 positioned to allow coins emerging therefrom to drop into the coin box 252.

The coin channel defined between the cover plates 255 and 256 comprises two parts,V the upper part extending downwardly from the coin slot 253 and then in inclined fashion downwardly and to the right as viewed in Figure 21, being defined between an upper edge surface 261 of the plate 257 and a lower edge surface 262 of the upper plate 258. At the extreme right hand side of the mechanism as viewed in Figure 21, the coin channel abruptly reverses direction and inclines downwardly and to the left to the discharge aperture 260, this portion of the channel being defined between a lower edge surface 263 of the plate 257 and an upper edge surface 264 of the plate 259.

Twenty-five and fifty cent coins dropped in the coin slot 253 traverse the entire length of the upper coin channel just described, first rolling along the edge surface 261 until the right hand end of that surface (indicated at 265 in Figure 2l) is reached. The coins then fall vertically 12 to the lower edge surface 264 and pass along the lower pass of the channel to be discharged through the disv charge opening 260.

An electric switch 266 suitably supported upon the plate 256 is so actuated by the passage of the twenty-five cent and fifty cent coins along the upper coin channel as to produce one electrical impulse for the twenty-five cent coin and two electrical impulses for fifty cent coins. The switch 266 is of the rotary snap action type utilizing an actuating spindle 267 and a snap action mechanism of such character that a very small angular displacement of the spindle 267 will actuate the contacts. Switches of this character are commercially available, being manufactured and sold by the Microswitch Corporation of Chicago.

An upper actuating arm 268 is secured to the spindle 267 and is pivotally secured at its upper end to a horizontally extending drag link 269. Conveniently, the arm 268 and drag link 269 are formed of small diameter rod or wire and the pivotal connection of the adjacent ends of these members may be conveniently formed by inter-engaged eyes formed on the ends of the members as indicated at 270. The right hand end of the drag link 269 is bent upwardly in hairpin fashion as represented at 271 in Figure 20, and is passed through a suitable elongated slot 272 formed vin the plates 255, 258 and 256.

The dimensions and position of the slot 272 are so selected as to dispose the hairpin portion 271 a, distance above the coin channel edge surface 261 suiciently to allow a twenty-tive cent coin to pass freely beneath the hairpin portion 271, but sufficiently close to the edge 261 of the coin channel as to be engaged by a fifty cent coin passing along the channel. The slot 272 is angularly disposed relative to the edge 261 of the coin channel so that when the hairpin portion 271 is engaged by a fty cent coin, the drag link 269 will be moved to the right to rotate the spindle 267 a distance suicient to actuate the switch 266. After having moved such a suicient distance, the hairpin portion 271 becomes spaced from the coin channel edge 261 a distance sufficient to allow the fifty cent coin to pass beneath the hairpin portion 271 and continue its travel along the coin channel.

A lower switch arm 273 is secured to the spindle 267 and is extended upwardly through an arcuate slot 274 formed in the plates 255 and 256 and intersecting the lower pass of the coin channel, the portion of the switch arm 273 which extends across the coin channel being identified by the reference character 275 in Figure 20. The portion 275 of the switch arm 273 is normally so positioned in the lower pass of the coin channel as to be engaged by coins of either twenty-five or fifty cent denominations. These coins move the switch arm 273 to the left a distance sufficient to actuate the switch 266 and allow the coins to move past the coin engaging portion 275 and emerge from the discharge opening 260,

It will be seen that the deposit of a twenty-five cent coin in the coin slot 253 causes the switch 266 to be actuated once, due to the fact that the twenty-five cent coin passes the upper coin engaging portion 271 without engaging the same, the switch being operated only upon engagement with the lower switch actuator 275. A iifty cent coin, on the other hand, causes two successive actuations of the switch 266 resulting rst from engagement with the coin Vengaging portions 271 and thereafter by engagement with the coin engaging portion 275. Using as a unit of monetary measurement a value of ve cents, it will be seen that the switch 266 operates to indicate that a twentytive cent coin contains one group of tive unit valuations, and similarly operates to indicate that a fifty cent coin contains two such groups of tive unit valuations.

A second set of coin channels disposed behind and below the upper coin channel is defined by cover plates 276 and 277 which are held in a suitable spaced relation to ,each other by spacer members indicated generally Y rbehind the lower pass yof the upper coin channel, Vat

which point theA coin channelv is enlarged vas by interconnecting members 280 and 281 to form a'transition section connecting the coin channel with a rectangular aper# ture -282 formed within the lower cover plate 256 of the upper coin channel positioned to communicate with the v lower pass of the upper channel.

As is indicated by the'dimension line bearingwthe legend cents, the vertical dimension of the rectangular aperture 252 Vis made lsubstantially/ equal to,but slightly ex- .c eeding, the 'diameter of a live cent coin so that a tive f cent-coin rolling along the lower Vedge 264V of the coin channel may fall through theV -aperture 282. The vertical dimensionof the aperture 282 ismade less than the diameter of a twentylive cent coin so that only five cent coins may fall through the aperture 282.

ZFive cent coins passing through the aperture 282 are thus segregated from the twenty-five and ifty cent coins and arecaused to pass into the coin box 252 through the discharge opening 279 instead of the discharge opening zjfrom which the twenty-five cent and fifty cent coins emerge.

` f A second rotary snap action switch 283 suitably secured to theplate 2576 is arranged to be actuated by the five cent coins. The switch 283 may bey identical with the switch 26o above described, and may include a spindle 284 to which/is attached a switch arm 285 extending downwardly andto the left from the switch 283 as viewedin Figure 21; At the lower end of the arm 285 there is attached an auxiliary varm 286 pivotally joined in any suitable fashion to the lower end of the arm 285 and havingy an upwardly [turned/coin engaging portion'287 extending through a vertical'slot 288 inthe lower portionof the coin channelv end 290 of the side -edge of the channel when the switch:y

arnlportion 287'has been moved a' distance suflicient tov actuate the switch 2,83. Y q y Y Y n A similar mechanism employing vaV suitably sized aperture, 291 vcommunicating with thev upper pass of-the upper coin channel is used to segregate the tengcent coins and convey those coins to a coin channelg292-denedgbetween thegplatesf276 and 2 77. The channel 292 passes downwardly from the aperture 291 and curves to the'- left to onn'ect with the ve. cent coin channel at a point above theswitch .arm portion 287. An arcuate slot 293 com, municating with the channel 292 receives an upwardly f turnedI portion 294 of the switch arm1285 so thata ten c ent ycoin passing downwardly along-` the Channel v292 v movesthe switch arm 285 and spindle 284in'afcounterclockwise direction. When the arm 285'has been movedA avdistance suflicient to cause actuation -of` the switchU 284, the ten cent-coin is allowedrto escape through the Vspace between the coin engaging portion 29,4 and the Y upper terminal edge 295 of the coin channel 292. After passing that terminal edge,v the ten cent coin' engages vthe switch arm portion 287 to cause arsecond and subsequent f operation*ofjtheswitch283,L the coin nally escapingy I' through the gap betweentheswitch-arm portion 287 y and j the lowerfedg'e 289 yof the coin channel. g p

v `Itlismthus seen thatthe te'ncent coinsare alsoy segregated f'. '.fr'omljthe `twentyliivejicent and-fifty cent'. coins andY are 'i caused VVto. o'peratefthev lswitch283 twice .byr reason .of the" s u' cessive' `engage'nentofthe coirrfwitliV the switch: actuay contains one'unit of monetary valueQ-and also serves to indicate as a result'of the two opera-tions thereof caused by the deposit of .a ten cent coin, that such ten centcoin contains two units of monetary value. l s p The way in which the indicationsV given as described by the switches 266 and 283 are used to integrate andindicate the total monetary value of all coins deposited isrexplained in detail in connection with the coin integrator `and coin interlock mechanism illustrated in -Figuresf7 through l1. l Y

The coin sorting device 258 includes also amechanisrn for ejecting one cent coins. This mechanism'comprises a rectangular aperture 296' sized to pass one cent coins but to exclude five cent coins and communicating wit-h acoin channel 297 defined between the plates 276 -and277. The coin channel 297 extends downwardly and to the right as viewed in Figure 21 and communicates withA a discharge opening 298 which is aligned with a suitably shaped opening in the outer housing 251. Thus, onecent coins depos` ited in the coin slot 253 pass `along the upper c oin channel 261 until they reach the aperture 296'.` By rea'- son of the sizing of the aperture 296, the lone cent coins fall through that aperture and into the coin channel'297 by which they are led tothe discharge aperture 298 and returned to the person depositing such coins. Y

Coin demand yand coin pay mechanism shown in Figures 7-11 Y The coin integrating mechanism which is operated by the coin s witchesf26'6 and 283 is illustrated in Figures 7 through 11; y

As is best seen inrFigures 8 and 9, the apparatus comprises a pair `of spacedfside plates 310 Vand 311 held in parallel spaced relation to each other by a transverse base plate 312 anda plurality of transversely extending spacer members such as are shown at 313.' A transversely eX`-' tending indicating shaft 314 is suitably journaled for rotation in the side plates'310 and 311; YOne end of the shaft 314 protrudes beyond the face of the side plate 310 :and has secured thereto as by means of a pin 315 anindieating disk 316 upon Which'indicia 317 (Figure l0) are inscribed at suitable angular intervals in a circumferentially extending progression located near the peripheral edge of the disk. The indicia 317 are representative of the integrated monetary value of coins deposited in the coin slot 253. Y Y

The entire` mechanism is enclosed within a suitable n Mechanism is `provided for. rotating `the Yshaft 314 toV an angular position representative ofthe total monetary value of coins deposited. VThis mechanism includesra4V pair vof solenoids 111 and 112 secured in an Vupright posif tion'by any suitable means to the base plate `312.` Each Y solenoid includes a plunger 322 which is urgedA upwardly by means of a compression spring.(notV shown): disposed within the bore of the solenoid coil below the lower end Aof the plunger 322. The upper'position of each of. the plungers is deiined as by means of stopv screws 323 vadjusted to provide a stroke of predetermined.; length Yfor each of the solenoids 111 and 112.

Thefplunge'r of the solenoid 112V is connected by means Y' of a.drag.link',32 4 to `the outer endof an oscillatable arm 325 which is journaled upon the shaft 314 for ,oscillatingV Y movement relative thereto by means of a hub -portion326- surrounding theA shaft-314 and freely rotatable' thereon.`

An actuating arm 327 extends outwardly from the hub 326 at a location diametrically opposite the oscillatable arm 325. is pivotally mounted an arcuate pawl member 328 which is normally urged upwardly by means of a tension spring 329 connected between the arm 325 and an arcuately extending tail piece portion 330 of the pawl 328. The pawl 328 includes a pawl tooth 331, adapted to operatively engage the teeth of a ratchet wheel 332.

The ratchet wheel 332 is secured as by means of axially extending pins 333 to a hub member 334 which is in turn made fast to the shaft 314 as by a cross pin 335. With this construction an angular movement of the oscillatable arm 325 in a counterclockwise direction as viewed in Figure 7 through an angle equal to the angular spacing of the teeth of the ratchet wheel 332 will result in imparting a corresponding angular rotation to the shaft 314. The angular spacing of the indicia 317 is selected to correspond With the .angular spacing of the teeth of the ratchet wheel, so that by so moving the shaft 314, one of the indicia 317 may be moved out of the window 319 and replaced by the next higher indicia.

The arm 35 is spring-urged to its normal position as by means of a tension spring 336 and clockwise movement of the arm 325 under the influence of the spring 335 is permitted by reason of the pivotal mountingl of the pawl 328. During such clockwise movement of the arm 325 the ratchet wheel 332 is held stationary by means of a detent 337 mounted upon the upper end of the plunger 338 of a release magnet 339.

The solenoid 112 is connected in circuit with the coin switch shown at 266 in Figure 17, so that the solenoid 112 will be energized once for each five cent coin deposited. The length of stroke of the solenoid 112 is adjusted to cause a unit angular movement of the ratchet wheel 332 in response to each energization of the solenoid 112.

The plunger of the solenoid 111 is also connected to the oscillatable arm 325, a drag link 341) being employed for this purpose. The drag link 340 is pivotally connected to the oscillatable arm 325 at a point intermediate the ends thereof. The length of stroke of the solenoid 111 and the location of the pivotal attachment of the drag link 340 to the oscillatable arm 325 are so chosen as to cause a single stroke of the solenoid 320 to result in the moving of the ratchet wheel 332 through five of its unit angular displacements represented by the spacing of the ratchet teeth.

The solenoid 111 is connected in circuit with the second coin switch 283 which is shown in Figure 17. This switch is operated once by the deposit of a twenty-live cent coin and twice by the deposit of a fty cent coin. Since the solenoid 111 operates to move the ratchet wheel 332 through tive of its unit angular displacements it will be seen that the deposit of a twenty-tive cent coin moves the ratchet wheel 332 through five notches, whereas, the de-' posit of a fty cent coin will cause the ratchet wheel 332 to be moved ten spaces.

It will be seen that the structure thus far described cooperates with the coin separating mechanism described in such a way as to indicate at the viewing aperture 319 the total monetary value of all coins deposited in the coin slot 253.

The clearing magnet 339 corresponds to the release magnet 339 shown in Figure 17. By reference to Figure 7 it will be seen that energization of the clearing magnet 339 will move the plunger 333 thereon downwardly so as to disengage the detent 337 from the ratchet wheel 332. At the same time, the operating pawl 323 is moved downwardly to disengage the tooth 331 from the ratchet 332, this operation being obtained by passing the pawl tail piece 330 through a suitable aperture formed in the detent 337 as is best shown in Figure 9.

It will be seen that energization of the clearing magnet 339 releases the ratchet wheel 332 s as to render the To the outer end of the actuating arm 327 there same free to be rotated to an initial position indicating zero at the viewing aperture 319. Such resetting rotation of the ratchet wheel 332 is obtained by means of a spiral spring 342 of the clock spring type which is mounted within a suitable housing 343 secured as by the pin 333 to the hub member 334. One end of the spring 343 is secured to the housing 342 and the other end of the spring is secured as by means of a pin 344 to a xed contact plate 345 held in parallel spaced relation to the side plates 310 and 311 by the spaced members 313 hereinbefore mentioned.

The clock spring 342 operates upon release of the pawl 328 and detent 337 to move the shaft 314 in a counterclockwise direction to its initial position, in which position the gure zero is presented at the viewing aperture 319.

The coin interlock 91 comprises a pair of movable contacts, one of which is movable to a position representative of the price of the program, and the other of which is movable to a position representative of the monetary value of the coins deposited. Operation of the unscrambler is permitted when bot-h contacts occupy identical positions. In the apparatus s hown in Figures 7 through 11, the contact which is movable to a position representative of the monetary value ofthe coins deposited yis shown at 113 and comprises a spring contact arm secured to a driving disk 351 which is in turn secured to the hub 334 by the aforementioned pins 333. The spring contact 113 is thus caused to move with the shaft 314, and is therefore caused to assume an angular position representative of the total amount of money indicated by the coin integrating and indicating apparatus.

During its angular movement the contact 113 traverses a series of fixed contact points 352 mounted upon the contact support 345 and extending completely through that support so as to present exposed surfaces on both faces of the support. The contacts 352 are angularly spaced in accordance with the angular spacing with the teeth of the ratchet wheel 332 so that the contact 113 is caused to move from one iixed Contact 352 to the next adjacent contact for each ve cents of monetary value registered by the coin integrating mechanism.

The contact which is movable to a position representative of the price of the program is indicated at A, and comprises a spring arm which is substantially identical to the contact arm 113. The spring contact 353 is secured to a driving disk 354 which is in turn secured as by means of a plurality of longitudinally extending pins 355 to a sleeve member 356 which is mounted upon the shaft 314 for free rotation relative thereto. The pin 355 serves to secure also to the sleeve 356 a ratchet wheel 357 which is identical to the ratchet wheel 332 previously described. The ratchet wheel 332 is arranged to be rotated by the energization of a solenoid 110.

The solenoid 110 is connected to drive the ratchet wheel 357 through a mechanism which is similar in all material respect to the mechanism used for driving the ratchet wheel 332, such mechanism including a drag link 359, oscillatable arm 360, pawl 361, and holding detent 362 arranged to be actuated by a clearing magnet 363. The teeth of the ratchet wheel 357 are given the same angular spacing as is employed on the ratchet wheel 332, and the stroke of the solenoid 110 is arranged to cause the ratchet wheel 357 to be advanced one tooth for each energization of the magnet 110.

The solenoid 110 comprises the price demand solenoid described with reference to Figure 17, in which description it was pointed out that the price demand solenoid 110 was energized by signals transmitted from the transmitting station once for each tive cent unit of value of the price of the program being transmitted. The pulsing of the demand solenoid 110 thus causes the arm 110A to be moved into engagement with that one of the Contact buttons 352 which is representative of the established price of theprogram. When the corresponding amount of money is deposited in the coin slot 253, the other switch 

